Tuti Faal

Tuti Faal, sometimes spelled "Tuti Fael," is a phrase originating from the fictional language D'ni, created by Robyn and Rand Miller for the Myst universe. In the D'ni language, it translates roughly to "The Art of Making." More specifically, it refers to the skill and process of writing Linking Books.

Linking Books are central to D'ni culture and gameplay in the Myst series. These books allow a user to travel to other worlds, known as Ages, by simply touching the descriptive page within the book. Tuti Faal encompasses not only the physical creation of the book itself – the paper, binding, and ink – but also the far more complex and crucial act of imbuing the book with a connection to the intended Age.

Mastery of Tuti Faal was a highly respected and guarded art within D'ni society. Those who possessed this skill, known as Writers, held significant power and responsibility, as they were essentially creators and gatekeepers of entire worlds. A Writer had to possess a deep understanding of the desired Age, its history, its environment, and its potential. This knowledge was then meticulously woven into the descriptive writing within the Linking Book. A poorly written or inaccurate book could lead to unstable or even dangerous connections, making the role of a Writer critical for maintaining order and stability within the D'ni civilization and its vast collection of Ages. The Guild of Writers, a specialized organization within D'ni society, oversaw the training and regulation of those who practiced Tuti Faal.